Output processing includes inputting an electronic file of a document to an outputting device capable of output processing operations. A database of external translators is maintained by the device for conversion of file formats from non-native file formats. If the format of the file is a native format, it is output processed by the outputting device. If the format is a non-native format, an external registered translator is selected and the file sent to the selected external registered translator for format conversion to a native format. The format-converted file is received at the output processing device, and output processed.